Rushil Shakya

Technologist, Educator

Rushil Shakya is a prominent technology educator and social entrepreneur, serving as the Co-Founder and Lead Instructor at the Technology for Equality and Justice (TEJ) Fellowship in Nepal. His work primarily focuses on making the tech sector more inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities.

Background and Experience

Rushil has a diverse professional background, having held leadership roles in both Fortune 500 companies and technology startups. His commitment to social justice is evident through his volunteer work with various organizations in Nepal and the United States. He has been instrumental in introducing a coding bootcamp model in Nepal aimed at empowering underrepresented groups, especially women, to become proficient software engineers through the TEJ Fellowship program.1 2 5

TEJ Fellowship

The TEJ Fellowship is designed to provide comprehensive training in software engineering to individuals from marginalized backgrounds. The program spans nine months and includes a rigorous curriculum that covers both frontend and backend development using JavaScript. It also emphasizes soft skills necessary for job placement and career development.2 5 The fellowship aims to address structural barriers that have historically limited access to technology education for these communities, thereby fostering economic empowerment and increasing representation in the tech industry.3 4

Vision and Impact

Rushil's vision for the TEJ Fellowship is not only to train individuals but also to create role models within marginalized communities. By showcasing success stories from the fellowship, he aims to inspire others to pursue careers in technology, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.2 3 His efforts have resulted in significant placement rates for graduates, with many securing jobs in leading tech companies both locally and internationally.2 5

Overall, Rushil Shakya's work exemplifies a commitment to leveraging technology as a tool for social change, aiming to create pathways for those historically excluded from the tech sector.